Shaila Rana, Ph.D., cybersecurity and AI security researcher

Shaila Rana, Ph.D.

Cybersecurity & AI Researcher | Author | Educator | IEEE Transmitter

Chair, IEEE SA Industry Connections Activity on Zero Trust Cybersecurity for Health Technology Tools, Services, and Devices

Shaila Rana, Ph.D., is a cybersecurity and artificial intelligence security researcher, author, and educator specializing in generative AI security, zero trust architecture, and cybersecurity governance. Her work focuses on securing AI systems, mitigating AI-enabled threats, and advancing trust technologies through research, standards development, and education.

Books & Publications
Author of multiple books and peer-reviewed publications published by Wiley-IEEE Press and Springer Nature.

Standards & Leadership
Chair, IEEE Standards Association Industry Connections Activity on Zero Trust Cybersecurity.

Research Focus
Generative AI Security · Zero Trust Architecture · Cybersecurity Governance.

Books

  • Generative AI Security: Defense, Threats, and Vulnerabilities
    Wiley-IEEE Press, 2025

  • The Human Side of AI Security
    Springer Nature, 2024

Selected Publications & Contributions

  • S. Rana and R. Chicone, "Enhancing Emotional Intelligence in Cybersecurity: A Quantitative Study on Generative AI's Impact," 2025 IEEE 4th World Conference on Applied Intelligence and Computing (AIC), GB Nagar, Gwalior, India, 2025, pp. 449-454, doi: 10.1109/AIC66080.2025.11211894.

  • S. Rana and R. Chicone, "Revolutionizing Cybersecurity Training: An Empirical Study on the Relationship Between Traditional Methods and Interest in Virtual Reality Modules," 2024 2nd International Conference on Intelligent Metaverse Technologies & Applications (iMETA), Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 2024, pp. 222-237, doi: 10.1109/iMETA62882.2024.10807914.

  • Rana, S., & Chicone, R. (2024). Navigating the paradox of AI in cybersecurity: unpacking societal optimism and ethical skepticism. Issues in Information Systems, 25(1).

  • Rana, S., & Chicone, R. (2024). Trusting AI in cybersecurity: an empirical study of perceptions on ethical decision-making. Issues in Information Systems, 25(2).

  • Rana, S., & Chicone, R. (2023). The influence of gender and acceptance of VR cybersecurity training platforms. Issues in Information Systems, 24(1).

  • Chicone, R., & Rana, S. (2023). The influence of traditional cybersecurity training on user attitudes towards VR cybersecurity training. Issues in Information Systems, 24(1).

  • Standards development and industry guidance through IEEE

RESEARCH & FOCUS AREAS

  • Generative AI security and model protection

  • AI-enabled attacks and defensive security controls

  • Zero trust architecture and trust frameworks

  • Cybersecurity governance, risk management, and compliance

  • Secure AI adoption in enterprise and healthcare environments